As the reigning champions of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, there are expectations for the Cochrane Crunch to have another banner season in 2018-2019.

That is because, as host city, Cochrane is guaranteed a second successive spot at the three league, Dudley-Hewitt Cup, Central Canada championship tournament.

Ryan Leonard, who is the owner, general manager and coach of the Crunch, has added a pair of seasoned veterans with major junior experience to the Cochrane lineup in defenseman Ryan Mooney and left winger Jacob Stos.

Mooney and Stos hail from the Greater Sudbury area and both have 1998 birth dates. Mooney has previous experience with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Jr. Hockey League while Stos has skated for the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League.

In all, the Cochrane roster currently stands at 10 forwards, six defensemen and one goalie. And the aforementioned Leonard tells Hockey News North that the Crunch has openings for six players — three forwards, two defensemen and a goalie.

Of note, the Crunch has three import cards available for American-born players.

Cochrane will hold its main camp on August 16-17.

“We are looking for players with experience and who can bring a winning attitude to our club,” Leonard told Hockey News North. “Players who want to be part of an exciting team this season, we would love to hear from them and see them at our camp. There is no fee to attend.”